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  • New refreshments at Gyeongbokgungs fall event
    New refreshments at Gyeongbokgung's fall event A rehearsal for the 2026 fall season of the “Gyeongbokgung Saenggwabang” program is held at Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Aug. 31, 2026. The program, scheduled to run from Sept. 2 to Oct. 26, will feature the theme “The Story of the Brilliant Father and Son of the Joseon Royal Family,” following the spring season centered on Kings Yeongjo and Sukjong. Two new refreshment sets inspired by King Sejong and King Munjong will be presented during the program. AJP Yoo Na-hyun 2026-09-01 00:20:58
  • Kim Se-hoon Proposes Hwacheon Party for Political Cooperation in Hwacheon
    Kim Se-hoon Proposes 'Hwacheon Party' for Political Cooperation in Hwacheon Kim Se-hoon, the mayor of Hwacheon, has proposed political cooperation and expanding resident income as solutions for the current divided governance in the region. During a discussion on 'Coexistence Hwacheon' with political commentator Professor Choi Chang-ryul at the Hwacheon Cultural Center on August 31, he outlined the future direction of the local government, including its relationship with the county council, basic income initiatives, sunshine pensions, and tourism and forestry policies.Residents expressed interest in political unity in Hwacheon following the recent elections. One resident remarked, 'We fought fiercely during the election, but now we must come together as neighbors,' prompting Mayor Kim to emphasize that regional development should take precedence over party affiliations.Kim stated, 'What does it matter if it's the Democratic Party or the People Power Party? Let's not focus on parties; my thought is that we should all move towards creating a 'Hwacheon Party.' He also viewed the newly formed divided county council not solely as a challenge but as a call for collaborative governance.Initially concerned about the divided council after his election, Kim has since interpreted it as a mandate to avoid unilateral governance. He expressed his intention to approach council members first to explain the necessity of major policies or budgets and seek their cooperation.Professor Choi also highlighted the importance of 'acknowledging differences' as a starting point for political coexistence. He pointed out the issues of polarization and factionalism in national politics, stressing the need to recognize differing viewpoints.Following the discussion on political cooperation, Kim unveiled his plans for resident income policies in the ninth term. He proposed starting with a monthly basic income of 150,000 won for rural residents and implementing a 'sunshine pension' that would return profits from renewable energy sources like solar and wind power to the community, thereby increasing residents' actual income.He also suggested utilizing idle land from military bases as economic assets for the region. Kim mentioned that he met with defense officials to discuss long-term utilization of these lands, considering options such as solar power generation, film and video production facilities, and corporate training centers. Both the sunshine pension and the use of military idle land are long-term plans that will require discussions with relevant agencies and feasibility studies.Kim expressed his commitment to expanding a circular economy using local currency. He plans to connect basic income, festivals, and sports marketing with local currency to ensure that spending in Hwacheon circulates within the local economy rather than flowing out.Regarding local issues in Sain-myeon, Kim addressed the golf driving range project, suggesting that rather than scrapping it entirely, it would be more practical to adjust the project's scale and budget, considering the funds already invested. He also stated that major projects like the construction of a government office in Sain-myeon and local landscape initiatives would involve presenting various options to residents and gathering their opinions before making decisions.Additionally, he proposed leveraging Hwacheon's abundant forest resources to create economic forests, produce wild vegetables, develop the wood processing industry, and expand tourism resources such as arboretums and woodlands, aiming to cultivate new sources of income for residents.Kim reiterated his focus on income, stating, 'First, income; second, income; third, income,' expressing his determination to implement policies that residents can feel in their daily lives.Over 100 attendees, including Park Dae-hyun, a member of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Council, Lee Sun-hee, vice chair of the Hwacheon County Council, Kim Myung-jin, a Hwacheon County Council member, and residents of Sain-myeon, participated in the event. The program included Professor Choi's lecture on political and social issues, followed by a discussion with Mayor Kim and a Q&A session with residents. 2026-08-31 22:36:00
  • Nine South Koreans Stranded in Nepal Return Home Safely Amid Floods
    Nine South Koreans Stranded in Nepal Return Home Safely Amid Floods Nine South Koreans Rescued from Nepal Floods Return HomeNine of the ten South Koreans stranded due to unprecedented flooding in Nepal have returned home safely.On August 31, Doosan Enerbility announced that the nine employees rescued from the flood zone arrived in South Korea around 2 p.m.According to Doosan Enerbility, the individuals were checked for health issues upon their return and were reported to be in good condition, not requiring hospitalization. A company representative stated, "They returned to their families after confirming their health status," adding that the site manager remained in Nepal to assist with ongoing search efforts.Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Suspect in High School Girl's MurderProsecutors have requested the death penalty for Jang Yoon-ki, who is accused of murdering a high school girl for sexual purposes.On August 31, the Gwangju District Prosecutors' Office made the request during a sentencing hearing at the Gwangju District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho. They urged the court to impose the maximum penalty, stating, "We ask for the death penalty for the defendant."The primary charge against Jang, murder with intent to commit sexual assault, carries a penalty of either death or life imprisonment. The prosecution emphasized that although Jang was diagnosed as below the threshold for psychopathy, his emotional instability and cold demeanor indicate a high risk of reoffending if released into society.Body Found in Tunnel of Nepal Hydropower Plant Where Nine Koreans WorkedA body has been discovered inside a tunnel at a hydropower plant in Nepal where nine South Koreans were employed and went missing due to the flooding. The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed.According to Yonhap News on August 31, citing AFP, the Nepalese military reported that a rescue team recovered the body from the tunnel of the Upper Trishuli (UT)-1 power plant in central-northern Nepal.The military explained that a Chinese tunnel rescue team, participating in the Nepalese rescue efforts, entered approximately 300 meters into the tunnel to conduct the search. The power plant, under construction by Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, is where the nine missing South Koreans worked. Mohan Kumar Thapa, president of the Nepal Independent Power Producers Association, told the AP that 576 individuals have been unaccounted for from the Upper Trishuli-1 plant, with about 300 believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.Severe Rain in Southern and Chungcheong Regions Causes Missing Persons and Flood DamageHeavy rainfall across the country has resulted in missing persons, property damage, and flooding. The Korea Meteorological Administration has issued enhanced warnings for the Chungnam region, urging caution against safety accidents and river flooding.As of 4 p.m. on August 31, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters reported that a 73-year-old man went missing in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, while he was out checking rice paddies since the rain began on August 28. In Chungnam's Nonsan and Buyeo, strong winds on August 28 caused damage to one house, one warehouse, and approximately 200 greenhouses.Youngpoong Claims Korea Zinc's Voting Rights Limitation is IllegalThe Supreme Court upheld a lower court's ruling that Korea Zinc's restriction of Youngpoong's voting rights during an extraordinary shareholders' meeting last year was illegal.On August 31, Youngpoong and MBK Partners announced that the Supreme Court's third division, led by Justice Lee Heung-gu, made this determination on August 28 during a retrial of a provisional injunction filed by Korea Zinc.Chairman Choi Yoon-beom of Korea Zinc's side had limited Youngpoong's voting rights by allowing its subsidiary, Sun Metal Corporation (SMC), to acquire more than 10% of Youngpoong's shares during the extraordinary shareholders' meeting last year, creating a circular investment structure.According to Article 369, Paragraph 3 of the Commercial Act, if Company A and its parent or subsidiary hold more than 10% of Company B's shares, Company B's shares in Company A lose their voting rights. This was used to restrict Youngpoong and MBK's voting rights at Korea Zinc.In March of that year, the Seoul Central District Court partially accepted Youngpoong and MBK's request to suspend the effectiveness of Korea Zinc's extraordinary shareholders' meeting, ruling that the limitation of Youngpoong's voting rights was unjust.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 21:40:00
  • President Lee Reflects on Roh Moo-hyuns Legacy as Biography is Released
    President Lee Reflects on Roh Moo-hyun's Legacy as Biography is Released 이재명 대통령은 31일 고(故) 노무현 전 대통령의 삶과 철학을 담은 ‘노무현 평전’ 출간을 축하하며 “대통령님의 부재는 여전히 익숙하지 않다”고 밝혔다. 이 대통령은 이날 페이스북 글을 통해 “이번 평전이 노무현 대통령님을 기억하는 분들에게는 새로운 성찰의 계기가 되고, 대통령님을 잘 알지 못했던 세대에게는 그의 삶과 시대를 새롭게 만나는 소중한 기회가 되기를 바란다”며 이같이 적었다. 이 대통령은 노 전 대통령을 시간이 흐를수록 더욱 선명해지는 기억으로 표현했다. 대부분의 기억은 시간이 지나면서 흐려지지만 자신에게 ‘노무현’이라는 이름은 오히려 더욱 또렷해지고 있다고 했다. 이 대통령은 평전을 읽으며 노 전 대통령이 걸어온 길과 남긴 뜻을 다시 되새기게 됐다고 밝혔다. 한 사람의 생애를 다시 읽는 것은 그가 남긴 생각과 꿈을 다시 만나는 일이라는 점도 강조했다. 특히 대통령이 되기 전과 대통령직을 수행하는 지금 노 전 대통령의 생애가 다르게 다가온다고 했다. 이 대통령은 “대통령이 되기 전에는 노 전 대통령이 걸어온 길을 바라보는 입장이었지만, 이제 자신이 같은 자리에 서게 되면서 활자마다 묻어 있는 당신의 고뇌와 고독, 결단의 무게가 이전과는 다른 울림으로 다가온다”고 강조했다. 이 대통령은 이런 변화 때문에 노 전 대통령을 다시 읽는 일이 더욱 뜻깊다고 설명했다. 이 대통령은 노 전 대통령을 기억하는 일이 과거를 추억하는 데 머물러서는 안 된다는 점도 강조했다. 이 대통령은 “‘사람 사는 세상’, 대통령님께서 평생 품었던 그 꿈은 여전히 우리에게 현재진행형의 과제로 남아 있다”며 “노무현을 기억하는 것은 과거를 추억하는 데 머무는 일이 아니라 당신께서 던졌던 질문을 오늘의 현실에서 다시 마주하고 우리 시대의 답을 찾아가는 일이라고 생각한다”고 말했다. 이 대통령은 “원칙은 지키되 현실에 발을 딛고, 좋은 뜻과 구호에 머무르지 않고 국민의 삶을 실제로 바꾸는 답을 찾아야 한다”며 “그렇게 한 걸음씩 나아갈 때 우리가 꿈꾸는 대한민국에도 가까워질 수 있을 것”이라고 덧붙였다. 한편 ‘노무현 평전’은 노 전 대통령 탄생 80주년을 맞아 사람사는세상 노무현재단이 기획한 첫 공식 평전이다. 참여정부에서 대변인과 제1부속실장, 연설기획비서관을 지낸 윤태영 작가가 약 10년에 걸쳐 집필했다. 윤 작가는 노무현사료관의 구술과 연설문, 참모들의 업무 메모·녹취·비망록 등 비공개 기록 160여건을 살폈다. 자신이 남긴 포켓수첩 600권과 파일 1000개, 봉하마을 영상 기록 365편 등도 평전 집필의 근거로 활용했다.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 21:28:00
  • Heavy Rain in Southern and Chungcheong Regions Causes Missing Persons and Flood Damage
    Heavy Rain in Southern and Chungcheong Regions Causes Missing Persons and Flood Damage Nationwide heavy rainfall has led to missing persons, property damage, and home flooding. The Korea Meteorological Administration has intensified heavy rain warnings, particularly in the Chungnam region, urging caution against safety accidents and river flooding. According to the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters and local governments, a 73-year-old man went missing in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province, while he was out working on a rice paddy on August 28. Search operations are currently underway. In Nonsan and Buyeo, strong winds on August 28 caused damage to one house, one warehouse, and 200 greenhouses. Evacuations and road closures have also occurred. A total of 42 residents from 29 households across six cities and counties temporarily evacuated, with 14 individuals from 11 households still unable to return home. Fire authorities reported 474 safety measures, including 195 road blockages, 57 drainage support cases, 39 flooded homes, and 183 landslides and rockfalls. Due to worsening weather, two flights and three ferry routes from Gunsan to Eocheong were suspended, and access to 2,583 hazardous areas, including riverbanks and parking lots, was restricted. Chungbuk Province also experienced damage. The Chungbuk Fire Headquarters reported 27 incidents by 3 p.m. on the same day, including 14 fallen trees, four drainage support cases, and three flooded roads. In Cheongju, a boiler room in a single-family home and an apartment complex in Okcheon were flooded, while recovery efforts were underway in Cheongcheon-myeon, Geosan County, where debris covered the road. According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, from August 28 to 4 p.m. on August 31, cumulative rainfall reached 579.5 mm in Yeonggwang, 332.9 mm in Gunsan, 288.5 mm in Seocheon, 264.6 mm in Boseong, and 263.5 mm in Buyeo. In Chungbuk, rainfall was recorded at 71.8 mm in Boeun, 84 mm in Okcheon Cheongsan, and 59.5 mm in Geosan. As night falls, rain clouds are developing further over the Chungnam west coast and inland areas. The Korea Meteorological Administration issued heavy rain advisories for Hongseong East, Seosan, Boryeong, Taean, and Seocheon at 8 p.m. on August 31, and an additional advisory for Yesan at 8:35 p.m. Just ten minutes later, the advisory for heavy rain in Hongseong East was upgraded to a heavy rain warning. Currently, a heavy rain warning is in effect for Hongseong East, while heavy rain advisories remain in place for seven areas, including Yesan, Seosan, Boryeong, Taean, Seocheon, and Hongseong West. A heavy rain warning is issued when expected rainfall exceeds 90 mm in three hours, while an advisory is issued for rainfall over 60 mm. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Central Disaster Headquarters have activated response level 1 since 5 p.m. the previous day and have maintained the heavy rain disaster alert at the 'caution' level. A representative from the Korea Meteorological Administration stated, "Heavy rain will continue until evening, with some areas experiencing a lull by tomorrow morning. Please refrain from entering areas near rivers and exercise caution when going out or driving."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 21:08:00
  • Labor Board Rules Hyundai Sales Staff Are Not Obligated to Negotiate
    Labor Board Rules Hyundai Sales Staff Are Not Obligated to Negotiate The Central Labor Relations Commission has reaffirmed that Hyundai Motor Company is not obligated to negotiate with its sales staff, known as car masters. On August 31, the commission held a review meeting regarding a request for corrective action concerning Hyundai's announcement of its negotiation demands, maintaining its initial ruling. Nine subcontractor unions had demanded negotiations with Hyundai, but the company denied its user characteristics and did not announce the request, prompting the filing of this case. Previously, the Ulsan Labor Relations Commission determined that workers in the company cafeteria and factory security, who are employed by subcontractors, must adhere to Hyundai's hygiene standards and security systems while working on Hyundai-owned premises, thus recognizing the company's obligation to negotiate on industrial safety-related issues. In contrast, the car masters argued that they operate under a separate business entity that has a contract with Hyundai, managing their own sales space and organization, including recruitment, personnel management, and compensation, and therefore do not recognize Hyundai's user characteristics. The Central Labor Relations Commission upheld the Ulsan Labor Relations Commission's ruling.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 20:44:00
  • U.S. Aims to Curb Chinas Low-Cost Exports Through G20 Cooperation
    U.S. Aims to Curb China's Low-Cost Exports Through G20 Cooperation The U.S. government has made it clear that it intends to build a multilateral pressure front through the G20 to curb China's low-cost overproduction exports. This marks a shift from a bilateral trade conflict with China to a global coalition response. In reaction, the Chinese government has strongly opposed this move, emphasizing mutual cooperation, indicating a potential escalation in economic tensions between the two nations.Scott Vesant, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, stated in an interview with Reuters on August 30 that the large trade surplus China has maintained can no longer be ignored.Vesant argued that China relies on aggressive export strategies to overcome chronic domestic demand issues, which exacerbates global economic imbalances and threatens the manufacturing base of importing countries. He noted that as the U.S. defends its market with high tariffs and import bans, China's surplus goods are being redirected to third countries in Europe and Latin America.To drive structural changes in China, Vesant emphasized that major countries outside the U.S. must fully reassess their trade conditions with China. This reflects a belief that a bilateral tariff war alone has limitations in blocking China's export onslaught. Consequently, the upcoming G20 meeting is expected to feature intense discussions among the U.S. and participating countries regarding the establishment of trade barriers and the revision of trade conditions with China.Additionally, the U.S. plans to strongly urge G20 member countries to coordinate economic sanctions against Iran. Targeting China, the largest importer of Iranian oil, aims to enhance the effectiveness of efforts to cripple Iran's economy. This move is also seen as an extension of the U.S.-China confrontation into multilateral security and economic issues.In contrast, the Chinese government has reacted nervously to these developments. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jizhong reiterated during a briefing that China has never intentionally pursued a trade surplus and opposes unilateral tariff measures. He emphasized that the essence of U.S.-China economic relations lies in mutual benefits and argued that issues should be resolved through dialogue based on principles of equality and respect.Meanwhile, Vesant also shared his views on Japan's monetary policy. He assessed that the recent fluctuations in the yen's value do not reach a level that would trigger market intervention, but he diagnosed that the long-standing accommodative monetary policy known as 'Abenomics' has effectively come to an end. While he does not intend to directly instruct Japanese financial authorities, he indicated a willingness to engage in serious discussions with the Bank of Japan regarding the need for a shift in accommodative policies. A separate meeting with Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda is scheduled during the G20 meeting, suggesting that Japan's future interest rate policies and measures for yen stabilization will also be key topics of discussion.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 20:36:00
  • Nine South Koreans Stranded in Nepal Floods Return Home Safely
    Nine South Koreans Stranded in Nepal Floods Return Home Safely Nine of the ten South Koreans stranded in areas affected by severe flooding in Nepal have returned home safely.On August 31, Doosan Enerbility announced that the nine employees rescued from the flood site arrived in South Korea around 2 p.m. local time.According to Doosan Enerbility, the employees were checked for health issues immediately upon their return and were reported to be in good condition, not requiring hospitalization.A company representative stated, "They confirmed their health status upon returning and then reunited with their families. The site manager has remained in Nepal to support the search efforts as much as possible."However, the representative noted, "The nine employees are physically and psychologically exhausted from the sudden disaster and isolation. The company believes it is crucial to respect their wishes by minimizing external contact and allowing them to quietly reunite with their families to regain stability."The nine individuals returned after being stranded in the flood-affected area since August 26 and were evacuated to safety via helicopter before heading home.Meanwhile, there has been no news regarding the rescue of six Doosan Enerbility employees and three from Korea South-East Power who went missing at a hydropower site due to the flooding. A representative stated, "We are focusing all efforts on search and rescue operations for these individuals."* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 20:24:00
  • Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for High School Girls Murderer
    Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for High School Girl's Murderer Prosecutors have requested the death penalty for Jang Yoon-ki, who murdered a high school girl with whom he had no prior acquaintance for sexual purposes.On August 31, the Gwangju District Prosecutor's Office made the request during a sentencing hearing at the Gwangju District Court, presided over by Judge Lee Jeong-ho, for violations of the Special Act on the Punishment of Sexual Violence Crimes (rape and murder).The primary charge against Jang, rape-murder, carries a maximum penalty of death or life imprisonment.Prosecutors emphasized that although Jang scored below the threshold on a psychopathy assessment, his emotional instability and cold demeanor indicate a high risk of reoffending, including murder and sexual assault, if he were to return to society.Details of Jang's dangerous behavior were highlighted by the prosecution. After killing the victim, Lee Chae-won, a 17-year-old high school student, Jang was found to have returned to the residence of a former stalking target, a female co-worker. Additionally, evidence of his past distorted sexual attitudes, including attempts to solicit minors, was revealed during the trial.Before the sentencing procedure, a closed-door examination of the defendant was conducted. Prosecutors focused on Jang's denial of the charges and his inconsistent statements during the investigation. Typically, such inconsistencies are viewed as a lack of remorse and can negatively impact sentencing.The court approved a change to the indictment as requested by the prosecution and issued a search warrant. The revised indictment revealed that Jang had prepared for the crime by leaving the back door of his vehicle open. A bundle of 25 cable ties, measuring 40 centimeters each, found in the car was accepted as evidence, although the defense claimed they were obtained during a past computer purchase and denied any connection to the crime.In his final statement, Jang said, "I deeply apologize to the victim and her family, as I have left an indelible scar on their lives. I will carry the weight of my sins for the rest of my life."Earlier, on May 5, Jang was arrested for attempting to commit a sexual crime against Lee on a sidewalk in the Gwangsan District of Gwangju, where he strangled her to death. He was also charged with wielding a weapon against another high school student who came to her aid.The indictment includes additional charges of sexual assault against a co-worker two days before the murder and illegal filming of minors during his time as a social service worker.The victim's family has submitted a petition for severe punishment signed by over 50,000 citizens and has been conducting a one-person protest urging the court to impose the maximum sentence. The family's legal representative stated, "Considering the social impact and the ongoing suffering of those affected, a severe sentence must be imposed."The first-instance verdict for Jang Yoon-ki is scheduled for September 30 at 2 p.m.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 20:00:00
  • Body Found in Nepal Hydropower Tunnel Where 9 Missing Koreans Worked
    Body Found in Nepal Hydropower Tunnel Where 9 Missing Koreans Worked A body has been discovered inside a tunnel at a hydropower plant in Nepal where nine missing South Koreans were employed following a devastating flood. The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed.According to Yonhap News on August 31, citing AFP, Nepal's military announced that rescue teams recovered the body from the tunnel of the Upper Trishuli (UT)-1 power station in central-northern Nepal.The military explained that a Chinese tunnel rescue team, participating in the Nepalese rescue efforts, managed to penetrate approximately 300 meters into the tunnel to locate the body.The power station, being constructed by Korea Southeast Power and Doosan Enerbility, is where the nine missing South Koreans were working.Mohan Kumar Thapa, president of the Nepal Independent Power Producers Association, told the AP that 576 people are unaccounted for at the Upper Trishuli-1 plant, with around 300 believed to be trapped inside the tunnel.Nepalese rescue teams are focusing their efforts on the Trishuli 3A and 3B hydropower plant tunnels downstream, where they believe about 100 individuals may still be alive and trapped.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-08-31 19:40:00